Understanding how the Coxiella bacterium's cell wall affects its ability to cause disease
Official title: Investigating the Contribution of the Coxiella Cell Wall to Intracellular Pathogenesis
Funded at University of Wyoming · NIH-10797013 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific bacterium that causes Q fever can sneak past our immune system and grow inside our cells, with the goal of finding new ways to help people who might suffer from long-term health problems because of this infection.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wyoming NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Laramie, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2023 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $202,355 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI166459-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10797013 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Q fever or those experiencing chronic symptoms related to Coxiella burnetii infection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute bacterial infections unrelated to Coxiella burnetii may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the cell wall of the Coxiella burnetii bacterium contributes to its ability to infect and replicate within human immune cells, specifically macrophages. By using advanced genetic screening techniques, the study aims to identify new virulence factors that allow this bacterium to evade the immune response. Patients may benefit from insights gained into the mechanisms of Q fever, which can lead to chronic health issues. The research focuses on understanding the interaction between the bacterium and the immune system to develop better treatment strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for Q fever and related chronic diseases caused by Coxiella burnetii.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific focus on Coxiella cell wall components is novel, similar research on bacterial virulence factors has shown promising results in understanding infectious diseases.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Wyoming
Laramie, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Case, Elizabeth Di Russo — University of Wyoming
- Study coordinator: Case, Elizabeth Di Russo
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.